sign: the collection in the morning was over £32, in the afternoon over £15, and in the evening over £20; total, £67 16s. 3d. The evening service was closed by the President and many of the friends joining in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. On the following Monday evening a teameeting was held, over which Mr. W. Rabbits presided.

The Rev. Joseph Bate laid before the assembly a very luminous and gratifying statement of the finances connected with the erection. It was stated that the Missionary Committee had granted £600, and amongst other contributions were the following Metropolitan Chapel-building Fund, £137; J. Whitworth, £280; at the stone-laying, £102; E. H. Rabbits, £50; Mr. Turner, £25; G. H. Ford, £25; Mr. Sawyer, £50; W. Hill, £30; J. Green, £10; Mrs. Wright (China), £10; Thomas Ford, £10; J. Nodes, £10; Wm. Rabbits, £10; J. Bradley, £20; T. B., a Churchman, £5; collected by the Rev. J. Bate, £113; by Mr. Whitworth, £45; by W. J. Moore, £55-which sums, with many other smaller donations, realized the handsome amount of £1,596. The cause itself was commenced but three and a-half years ago; their congregations were not large, and their prosperity not great; but by multiplying many littles they had reared the beautiful temple in which they were met. He looked upon the mission as only now making a commencement, as they had previously not had the means of advancement; but with the chapel in which to worship, and the Sunday-school they were about to commence, with other agencies to be set on foot, they had a bright and hopeful prospect before them. He sincerely hoped, that at the close of the opening services they would have only £1,500 debt remaining on the premises. The total cost of the land, legal and architectural expenses, and fittings, would be, as far as he could learn, £3,300. By the aid of the pewrents they hoped to be able to pay off all the debt in ten years, if they could only get a few kind friends to meet the interest on the borrowed capital. The chairman congratulated the friends on the admirable report which had been read to the meeting, and expressed a hope that it would be the means of stimulating other parts of the Connexion in promoting chapel extension.

W. J. Haynes, Esq., who resides in the immediate locality of the chapel, said he was not a Methodist-in principle he was a Baptist; but he hoped that he had some of the Methodist fire in him. He rejoiced at the good work which was being done by the Methodists, and expressed his pleasure at seeing that commodious and elegant building. He was always glad to aid any friends in carrying on the great work of saving souls.

The Rev. Dr. Cooke looked upon that assembly as one resembling the great gatherings of the Jews-all the tribes were represented; and he rejoiced to see present members from all their London societies. He had lately been delighted with a project of Dr. Cather's to gather together a great congress of Christians of every denomination who hold the Head; such a meeting would show to Popery and to the world that there was a vital union cementing them in one holy bond. There was a plan in operation amongst the Primitives which was well worthy of their imitation at Forest Hill; it was, so 'soon as any one was converted, he was asked to do something for God-and Methodism, by its varied agencies, had work suited to the capacities of all.

The Rev. S. Hulme dwelt at some length on the joyful state of things amongst a church which had all its agencies in full exercise; such a church was like the garden of the Lord; in such a case the members would be working, all working, and working unceasingly. He warmly approved of a plan of Mr. Moore's communicated to him that morning, to try and raise such a chapel in London once in three years, and earnestly hoped that so desirable an object would be accomplished.

The collection was then made. The following was the reported result:collection, £17 13s. 8d., in purses £20-total, £37 13s. 8d. ; trays given for the tea, £14, Sunday collections £67 16s. 3d.-total for two days' services, £119 9s. 11d.

The Rev. W. Baggaly, the esteemed President of the Conference, glanced at the various agencies which would have to be set in motion to complete the purpose contemplated by the erection of that beautiful sanctuary, and at considerable length, and in a most interesting and forceful manner, illustrated his remarks by reference to the conduct of Cap

tain Hedley Vicars and the heroic 97th in the Crimean war. From unity of action, earnest prayer, and the exercise of strong faith, they might expect glorious results and a greatly-revived church, and then, above all, the glory of God.

The meeting was shortly afterwards closed.

On April 22nd the opening services were concluded. In the morning the Rev. Joseph Bate preached on the "Privileges and Blessedness of the Sanctuary;" collection, £17 10s. In the afternoon Mr. E. H. Rabbits had kindly secured the aid of his friend the Rev. Newman Hall, LL.B., and as a result the chapel was crowded in every part, the aisles being filled with forms, and all crowded, and numbers standing round the open doors. The preacher discoursed effectively and delightfully on the cure of the woman who touched the hem of Christ's garment. The sum of £16 9s. was collected. In the evening the Rev. Luke Tyerman (Wesleyan) preached the last of the opening sermons, the subject being, "Teaching and Preaching Christ; or, the Godhead and Manhood of Christ Stated and Demonstrated." The collection was £9. Total collections at the opening services, £162 and upwards, including £10 from Mr. Silvester, of Spon Lane, and £10 from Mr. Blackburn, of Hunslet, to whom, and to all other contributors, our warmest thanks are presented.

The building is in the Gothic style of architecture. The external walls are faced with yellow brick, relieved with stone dressings and bands of red brick. The extreme length of the chapel externally is 76 feet, and the width 38 feet. On the basement a schoolroom, 40 feet 6 inches by 34 feet 6 inches, three class-rooms, kitchen, and room for warming apparatus, are provided. On the ground floor the front entrance gives access to a vestibule or lobby, on each side of which an inner lobby is arranged, communicating with the aisles in the chapel. In the lobby to the left of the vestibule is the staircase to the gallery. At the back of the chapel a vestry for the minister is arranged, over which there is a gallery for the organ and choir. A gallery for scholars is provided at one end of the chapel, in the recess over the entrance lobbies, extending also ten feet into the chapel. The roof of the chapel is open, having arched rib-bindings, the

TRURO MISSIONARY SERVICES. DR. CROFTS was our deputation, and his visit was looked for with pleasant anticipation, as he had laboured in this circuit previous to his going to America; nor were the friends disappointed. Both his sermons and speeches were very effective. At Truro the sermons were preached, March the 4th, by John Nelson in the morning, and Dr. Crofts in the afternoon and evening. On the same day Dr. Crofts preached at Saint Agnes in the morning, and Rev. J. Brington (Wesleyan) afternoon and evening. On Monday the annual meeting was held at Truro. There was more than an average attendance, and some improvement in the collection. On Tuesday Dr. Crofts preached at Saint Agnes in the afternoon, and the public meeting, numerously attended, was held in the evening. The collection was considerably in advance of last year.

And now a word about the circuit. We have had our quarterly meeting, and find how we stand for the year. The circuit funds are about the same as in the previous year, and we have a small increase in members-so small, however, that it would not have been named here, but in our circumstances we are thankful even for this. When I look at the depressed state of business in this county, and when I remember the very slow progress of Methodism at present, I am thankful that we have kept our ground, and advanced even a little. Mr. Bevington and I have now been here two years, and we have

laboured in brotherly affection, and with considerable diligence, though not with so much success as we desired and hoped to have had. The increase on the two years is only about thirty.

Even for this I am thankful; and if our progress be the same on the last two years in all our circuits, the next Conference will have cause for gratitude.-Yours, JOHN NELSON.

A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF

PASSING EVENTS.

THE social and spiritual condition of the London poor is engaging the earnest attention of all religious parties and denominations. A large and important meeting connected with the Society of Friends was lately held on this subject, at the chapel in Bishopsgate Street, under the presidency of Mr. Samuel Fox, of Tottenham. Numerous addresses were delivered, tending to excite an interest in the subject before the meeting. The speakers were all of opinion that the Quakers were behind their fellow-Christians of other religious bodies in efforts to benefit their poorer fellow-countrymen. It was especially maintained that the ladies of the society might do more, and one or two speakers urged upon them to follow the example of active benevolence set by their sisters of other churches. It is stated that the above meeting has produced a greatlydeepened interest among the London Quakers in the object for which it was convened.

Every reader of the Magazine will be familiar with the name of Newman Hall. He is one of the distinguished men of our times. He is highly respected as a preacher and an author, as well as for his Christian catholicity, enterprizing zeal, and benevolence. He is the minister of Surrey Chapel, London (formerly Rowland Hill's), and has, by the blessing of God on his labours, achieved a large amount of success. The annual statement of accounts, &c., in connection with his church has recently been published, from which it appears that the number of members associating in church fellowship is 1,354. The amount of

money raised during the year for twenty different purposes connected with the church and its activities, and three extraneous objects, was £4,757 13s. 5d. This is exclusive of pew-rents, and is a noble illustration of Christian liberality.

The English Presbyterian Synod commenced its annual sittings in the Rev. Dr. Hamilton's chapel, Regent Square, London, on Monday, the 16th of April. The Rev. K. H. Lundy, Moderator for the past year, named as his successor the Rev. Thos. Alexander, formerly of Chelsea, but now pastor of the Presbyterian church in Halkin Street West. After being duly installed in office, Mr. Alexander delivered his inaugural address to the members of the Synod. In the course of his address he took occasion to refer to two errors which, he said, had become very prominent-one being the refusal to accept any fixed creed or confession, the other the assertion that the old Law was modified or abrogated by the New Testament. Both these errors he condemned, and made them the subject of somewhat severe animadversion. The affairs of the body generally were represented as in a prosperous condition, the only drawback being that, in the foreign mission account, the balance was on the wrong side. The question of union between the non-established Presbyterian borlies was favourably considered. The mission in China was reported to be in a very satisfactory condition. Through its agency a coast of 150 miles in extent was dotted with small Christian congregations; and recently some native Christians had begun to evangelize the important and prosperous city of Chou-chou. The reports regarding the state of

matters in England were indicative of progress, and afforded ground for very hopeful anticipation as to the future. The proceedings were brought to a close on Thursday evening, April 19th, by the Moderator addressing some parting words to the Synod. The meeting of the Synod is appointed to be held next year in Manchester.

Our friends of the United Methodist Free Churches have held their ninth missionary anniversary, and it gives us pleasure to state that it was a complete success. The arrangements were judicious, and were very efficiently and spiritedly carried out. Preparatory sermons, by distinguished ministers, were preached in several of the London chapels during the evenings of the week preceding the missionary Sabbath, and the services were well attended. On Sunday, April 22nd, the cause of missions was advocated in all the chapels belonging to the body in London and its suburbs, by preachers chiefly from the provinces, and the congregations and collections are stated to have been very satisfactory. On Monday morning, April 23rd, a breakfast-meeting was held in the lower-room, Exeter Hall. Upwards of 140 sat down to the repast, and after breakfast some very interesting speeches were made; the Rev. W. K. Brown, the President, in the chair. It was a hearty Methodist gathering. The annual meeting of the society was held in the evening of the same day at Exeter Hall, W. Hunt, Esq., of Harrogate, a venerable man, and one who has had a long connection with Methodism, officiating as chairman. The meeting was large and enthusiastic. The report was read by the general secretary, the Rev. S. S. Barton, and was one of a very encouraging and hopeful character. It commenced by stating that "the missions of the United Methodist Free Churches are home, colonial, and foreign. With a membership of nearly 70,000 persons," it continued,

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a ministry numbering 269, entirely devoted to the work, and nobly assisted by 3,161 local preachers, and upwards of 4,000 leaders; with

1,600 chapels and preaching-rooms, 1,087 Sunday-schools, numbering 146,178 scholars, taught by 21,404 teachers-with all these means and appliances for Christian work and effort, a solemn responsibility rests upon us to assist in the world's conversion, and by steady labours, influence, and example, to embody the spirit and force of our Lord's command." Every Christian man will be prepared to endorse sentiments like these. Besides the agents employed in foreign fields, the report stated that fifteen missionaries are entirely devoted to the work at home, and a much larger number partially sustained by the Mission Fund, in connection with weak and struggling churches. Success was shown to have resulted from the society's operations in Australia, New Zealand, the East and West coasts of Africa and China. The meeting was addressed by the venerable Chairman, and the Revs. W. R. Brown (President of the Annual Assembly), Marmaduke Miller, E. Paxton Hood (Independent), J. Myers, J. Townend, &c. The great speeches of the evening were those of Mr. Miller and Mr. Hood. The collection amounted to £92. May God abundantly bless the efforts of the United Methodist Free Church, both at home and abroad!

The annual session of the Baptist Union was held in London on Monday, April 23rd. The morning sitting took place at Upton Chapel, Lambeth Road. About 150 ministers and delegates were present. After devotional exercises, the Chairman, the Rev. John Aldis, of Reading, delivered a very luminous and able address on the true nature of Dissent, and its claims on the members of the Baptist denomination. The address was frequently applauded, and at its close the thanks of the assembly were heartily accorded to Mr. Aldis for its delivery. The annual report of the Union, which was of a cheering character, was presented by the Rev. J. H. Millard, and after its adoption the Rev. W. R. Stevenson read a very valuable paper on “Religious Beneficence among the Baptists." Mr. Stevenson was cordially

thanked for his paper, and it was referred to the committee with a view to publication. After dinner the session resumed its labours in the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's Metropolitan Tabernacle. Various matters pertaining to the interests of the denomination were discussed, and petitions to Parliament were adopted in favour of the University Tests Abolition Bill, and in favour of legalizing marriage with a deceased wife's sister. In the evening a meeting was held, partaking more of a devotional character, at which addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. P. Chown, D, Evans, and C. H. Spurgeon.

On Monday evening, April 23rd, the fifty-ninth anniversary meeting of the "Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society" was held at the London Tavern. This society, the object of which is indicated by its name, will have the sympathy and hearty good wishes of every Christian man and woman in the land. To help the aged poor! How plain the duty, and how Christ-like and blessed the work! At the meeting we now report Mr. Alderman Abbiss presided, and was supported by numerous influential ministers and lay gentlemen. The report, which was presented by the secretary, Mr. Murphy, gave a very gratifying account of the good that had been effected by the society. The claims of the institution were ably and eloquently advocated and enforced by the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, and various other speakers.

An influential meeting to inaugurate the National Freedmen's Aid Union" was held on Tuesday, April 24th, at the Westminster Palace Hotel, London. The Duke of Argyll presided, and made an earnest appeal in support of the Union, whose object is to diffuse information as to the condition and character of the Freedmen, and to secure help on their behalf. Sir T. Fowell Buxton, M.P., Mr. Bright, M.P., Mr. Hughes, M.P., and other gentlemen addressed the meeting, which passed resolutions in favour of the Union.

A new society has been formed, designated The Palestine Christian

Union Mission to the Arabs." At a drawing-room meeting held in its behalf, the Earl of Shaftesbury explained its intended method of operations. "Such a work," said he, "should be approached, not by the formation of a large society, but by a tentative effort like this. sending forth such a young man as El Karey, accompanied (as he understood was proposed) by a skilful physician. Nothing would so much gain admission to the hearts of the people as the administration of medical advice, so urgently needed, from the low state of medical knowledge in the East. The plan was, moreover, strictly Scriptural, the two agencies presenting what were combined in our blessed Lord, teaching and healing." Other explanatory and recommendatory statements were made by his lordship, and it is hoped the society will be successful in its operations.

The Rev. Dr. Miller, who, by appointment of the Queen, succeeds the Rev. H. A. Soames as Vicar of Greenwich, and who resigned the rectory of St. Martin's, Birminghamn, in favour of this appointment, received, a few days ago, just before leaving Birmingham, at the hands of his congregation, and from the inhabitants of the town generally, several substantial acknowledgments of the great and varied services he has rendered during the twenty years he has held the rectorship. The proceedings took place in the Town Hall, under the presidency of the Mayor, and in the presence of a very large attendance of ladies and gentlemen. An address was presented to the doctor on behalf of the town, accompanied by a cheque for 1,000 guineas. An address was also presented from the doctor's congregation, with a purse containing 600 guineas, and a large chest filled with silver plate. The Rifle Volunteers presented, through Colonel Mason, a handsome vase. Addresses were read from other public bodies, and sentiments expressing the warmest testimony to Dr. Miller's character and worth were uttered by every speaker. The doctor acknowledged the gifts and the tributes paid to him in an